Scotland v Russia Betting Tips – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier, 6th September 19.45pm
Steve Clarke’s Scotland and Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia meet in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier at Hampden Park on Friday night. Belgium, who have taken 12 points out of 12 so far, will surely win Group I, leaving the other nations to battle it out for the last remaining automatic qualification place. Things are very tight in the group at the moment, as only three points separate Russia in second to Kazakhstan and Scotland in joint third. Can the Scots claim a crucial home victory on Friday evening?
Scotland v Russia Betting Odds*
Scotland 19/10
Draw 9/5
Russia 7/4
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on September 4th, 2019 at 16:30 p.m.)
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Table of Contents
Scotland News and Form – Can the Scots make home advantage count?
Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifying campaign got off to the worst possible start. The Scots were woeful in Astana, crashing to a heavy 3-0 to Kazakhstan at the Astana Arena. However, they hit back with a 2-0 win over San Marino in Serravalle, with Kenny McLean and Johnny Russell getting the goals.
The Scots then picked up a vital 2-1 victory over Cyprus in Glasgow. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson gave the hosts a 1-0 lead on the hour mark, but Ioannis Kousoulos’ effort three minutes from time tied the game at 1-1 going into the last few moments. However, Clarke’s boys had the last laugh, with Oliver Burke scoring an 89th-minute winner.
As expected, Scotland fell to a heavy loss to Belgium in their previous qualifier. The Belgians, who finished with the bronze medal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, were just too good for Clarke’s troops, with Romelu Lukaku (2) and Kevin De Bruyne scoring in the 3-0 win.
After playing Russia on Friday, Scotland’s campaign continues next week with a home game against Belgium. Can the Scots pick up a positive result ahead of Monday’s fixture with Group I’s strongest team?
Scotland v Russia Head to Head
These two nations have only ever met on two occasions
In UEFA Euro 1996 qualification, both fixtures between Scotland and Russia ended in draws
When they last met, the pair drew 0-0 in Moscow
The previous meeting at Hampden ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Scott Booth getting Scotland’s goal
- The Scots have won two and lost two of their opening four qualifiers
- Russia have won their last three
- Scotland have won three of their last four at home
Russia News and Form – Russians to leave Glasgow with a vital three points?
Just over a year ago, Russia had a World Cup to remember. The hosts were tipped to struggle, but Stanislav Cherchesov’s men reached the last eight on home soil, beating Spain in the Round of 16 along the way. Since their heroics at the World Cup, the Russians have won six of their following ten in all competitions.
Russia – who are now ranked 46th in the world, just above Scotland – have started their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in strong form. Cherchesov’s side have taken nine points from a possible 12, winning three on the spin since opening up with a 3-1 loss to Belgium in Brussels.
After losing at the King Baudouin Stadium back in March, Russia have beaten Kazakhstan, San Marino and Cyprus, scoring 14 times and conceding none. The Russians are currently in second place in the Group I table, three points behind Belgium but three points ahead of Kazakhstan and Scotland.
Russia are a very capable outfit these days, and Cherchesov’s men head to Glasgow as the 7/4 favourites. Victory at Hampden Park on Friday will put the Russians in a great position in the group.
Scotland v Russia Tips & Odds
Russia to win 2-1 at 10/1
Russia to win and both teams to score at 6/1
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on September 4th, 2019 at 16:33 p.m.)
Scotland v Russia Predictions
Russia win: This will be a tough test for Clarke’s Scotland. The Scots have been strong at home of late, winning three of their last four at Hampden Park. In their previous home fixture, the Scots left it late to beat Cyprus 2-1 in a qualifier back in June. However, I can see Russia leaving Glasgow with all three points on Friday night. This could be a close one, though, so put some money on the away side to win 2-1, which you can get at the tempting price of 10/1.
Since losing three in a row at home without scoring, the Scots have netted in each of their last four at Hampden. As for Russia, they have scored a staggering 14 goals in their last three qualifiers. I’m backing the visitors to win and both teams to score (6/1) in this one.
